I do all my maintenance with the tool kit I carry on the bike. I have a fairly complete shop, but now I'm sure I have the tools to handle any task that arises on a trip, short of needing to order major new parts to install. Any time I ran across some tool I didn't have, I added it. Everything still fits in a small tool box -about 4" X 5" X 12"

Hey, I have read most of this thread. I really appreciate all the helpful tips provided thus far. I was wondering if you might be able to describe the contents of this tool box. Thanks again,

First time so please be gentle.Working in Oman[where's that I hear you say] and have a R75/6. Have been impressed with airhead scramblers and wd like to do same.Question is what are the tyres to fit a 19 in front and an 18 in rear[trail style]?Do I need to change front to an 18 in?[

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtwind

Here's a few tips aimed at first time airhead guys.

There are three fasteners holding your valve covers on, not just the big center nut. Can't tell you how many folks start whacking their valve covers without removeing the 10 mm nuts on the back side.

Remove and antisieze your exhaust nuts once a year. If they don't come off, DON'T FORCE, hacksaw a line or drill accross the threads and use a cold chisel to split them off. Forcing them will wreck the threads on the heads, a $125-150 repair.

Remove the battery ground wire before you remove the front cover. Failure to do so and touching the diode board can easily short out and be a $$ repair. JT

If you mean street scrambler 70/ 30 tires like Avon Distanzas look the part and work great on asphalt and fine on unsealed roads/ gravel/ light sand.They list 19" fronts but dont always have stock , in Oz at least, but Tourances or Annekeys are passable if they are not

If you plan on riding in mud or deep sand go for a 50/50 tire, but most come in a 21" front and all are not very good on wet asphalt, unless you potter around like an old woman-------.

I like the Distanzias on the R80 ST as well as I like the TKC 80s on the F 650. The F 650 has a 17 rear and in the USA the TKCs are readily available in the 19/17 combo. I went Distanzia on the ST because I couldn't find TKC in a 18" rear.

You may have both tires available over there. Both are good choices IMHO. And for rigorous off road sections, they can always be aired down to about 21psi without needing rimlocks for a small but noticeable improvement. A small 12V compressor will allow airing back up when returning to highway speeds for lengthy stretches.

__________________
Mark J
Merritt Island, FL

When a person asks you for advice, they don't want advice. They want corroboration.